The Storm, A Kurt Austin Adventure

Clive & Graham Brown have crafted a good yarn with nano-technology at the center of the plot. I enjoyed this 2nd entry by Brown, as his follow-up to Devil's Gate. Some might complain that there is little character development here, but this adventure vaults right into the action and never lets up. All the regulars are here, and they all play important roles in what unfolds. Good book, fun read.

Gotta agree with Ace. This is a fun read. I like the way the seemingly disparate plot elements get woven back into the story later on in unpredictable ways. And the pacing reminded me of the earlier Clive books. This is a great follow up to Devil's Gate.

BTW: I knew all the answers to the 18th Roosevelt questions.

Jeff

I have to disagree. Though I liked the idea of the nano technology I found the book to be of little substance. I have always been a huge Cussler fan but there has not been a book of his lately that has left me ready to read the next one.

I have to say, I loved, loved, loved this book! Why? Mostly because of two words: Joe Zavala! I won't mention any specific spoilers, but suffice it to say that I was very unhappy when, once again, Joe was sent off on his own, while Kurt got to play hero and rescue the girl. Well, wasn't I pleasantly surprised? For once, Joe didn't disappear for a large chunk of the book and then just reappear at the end to wind things up with Kurt and the team. We actually got to see what he does when he's separated from the others, which does not always happen.

I thought the action was well done. Not too much, not too over-the-top, but a thorougly enjoyable ride. I love the little character bits, like the indications of the close friendship between Kurt and Joe, which is a continuation of the snippets that we saw in "Devil's Gate". That for me is what makes a book. Do I want more? You bet I do! But I will take what I can get.

Probably my favorite NUMA Files book, and that's saying something. This one goes to the top of my list, along with "Inca Gold" and "Plague Ship". (why do I love Plague Ship? Because of the character development of someone other than the lead -- specifically Eric Stone.)

Excellent job, Mr.s Cussler and Brown. Definitely one I'll be rereading -- and soon.

Cars in the Dark

Fundraiser for the American Council of the Blind of Colorado

Please join us at the The Cussler Museum on July 21st from 3-7pm for a showing of classic cars, swing dancing, food and a silent auction to benefit blind and visually impaired individuals in the state of Colorado. Tickets: $35-$50 per person.

Address: 14959 West 69th Avenue Arvada, CO

Buy Tickets at: www.acbco.org

Silent Auction for Rides with Clive and Dirk!!!!
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Could not agree more ! This has been going on for far too long. Clive Cussler is so far past his prime,it would cost him $100 to send it a postcard. It is so obvious that he is ONLY in it for the money and nothing else. The stories, as stated by this gentleman, have little or no substance with characters that have, for all intents and purposes, become overbearing caricatures of themselves with no actual motivation enough to make you care whether they succeed or not. All the stories are riddled with errors that are technical, geographical, and grammatical to the point of distraction while existing in a "universe" that defies logic and the physical laws of nature. I was once a big fan, but now all Cussler had done is delude his own legacy of great adventure tales with a memorable hero to the point of being absurd, pubescent,and pathetic.

....so, You funny Guest Nick Kitt, why do you give a damn about it?
Really long comment on a thing you don`t like in a Forum you don`t have to be anymore. Just read something else.

hmmmm ... makes me wonder why he didn't get behind the Sahara deal if it was just for money. He could have saved on a few legal fees too.

Oh, I do read other stuff. Often. I am just amazed that there are still folks around who read Cussler when his stories have become really stale. Plus, as we all know, he doesn't even write them anymore. And, really, as I have stated, Cussler is past his prime and there are so much better authors to read. But, to each his own....

hmmmm ... makes me wonder why he didn't get behind the Sahara deal if it was just for money. He could have saved on a few legal fees too.

That's a great question. One for the ages, no doubt. In hindsight, especially in terms of book sales, longevity and money, Cussler backing the movie would have been a much smarter move, despite his misgivings. The lawsuit was a disaster from beginning to end and cost him in fortune in money and PR. While he may have recovered some of the money, the bad PR clung to him like stink to a skunk. But, I believe, Cussler thought the lawsuit WOULD get him money, but he was wrong like he was wrong about the film. And keep in mind, Cussler has always maintained that writes "from a marketing standpoint, not for the art". What does that suggest to you ? Well, judging from the way he is now releasing substandard material every couple of months, it's plain to see.

Well, these days, as far as survival in a diminishing book trade, a "marketing standpoint" would trump "art" for many established authors.

Prior to passing the baton, few denigrated Cussler's works as sub-standard.

Oh, I do read other stuff. Often. I am just amazed that there are still folks around who read Cussler when his stories have become really stale. Plus, as we all know, he doesn't even write them anymore. And, really, as I have stated, Cussler is past his prime and there are so much better authors to read. But, to each his own....

Being to each his own - I find it disappointing that you'd be bashing someone we enjoy and think highly of. Have there been books that aren't as strong as others. Sure. I venture that is true for any author. Still - I continue to buy and read on to my pleasure. While you are entitled to your opinion, I guess I'll just skip your posts in hope that you'll go elsewhere.